Football legacy of Rob Gronkowski

The tight end position was revolutionised by Gronkowski, who has been dubbed a "NFL supernova," a "sui generis," a "gold standard," a "generational marvel," and a "on-field force of nature. Gronkowski became the ideal of what the position could and should be.

The unique marriage of power and grace he brought to the game, according to ESPN, "felt like the tight end position was invented in response to his rare gifts."

Gronkowski was widely praised for his versatility, having both the catching dexterity of a wide receiver and the blocking skills of an offensive lineman.

Such abilities, both played on elite levels, made him the most complete all-around and true tight end unlike other players of his position who were either only a receiver or blocker.

Big, strong and agile at 6'6" and 265-pounds with hands measuring 10 ¾ inches from thumb to pinkie, he has been compared to NBA's LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal as one of the most physically gifted athletes in American sports history.

Gronkowski is also known for his high football IQ and has been acknowledged for his intelligent and versatile route-running. A consummate teammate, he is known for his infectious positivity, with Bill Belichick remarking “In the ultimate team sport, Rob was a great, great teammate.

His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten.” He was the highest ranked tight end in the annual NFL Top 100 Players five times, as voted by his peers.

The Patriots also included him in its 2010s All-Decade Team. Regarded as one of football's finest players, he has set several NFL records and was selected not only in the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team but also in the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Gronkowski is also widely thought of as the best tight end in the history of the game.

His effervescence and irreverence made him not only a fan favorite, but also an icon and a folk hero. Gronkowski is considered one of the most unique personalities in sports, and has played with "an inimitable combination of acrobatic athleticism and reckless abandon" all the while maintaining his boyish enthusiasm and humor.